Artistic resolutions for 2012

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Artistic resolutions for 2012

By Carlton Hargro – January 6, 2012

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Since the clock hit midnight this past Sunday, it seems like folks everywhere have been scrambling to decide on their New Year’s resolutions. And this quest to plot a new course for a new year hasn’t been lost on Charlotte’s creative community.

Just like the regular 9-to-5 crowd, our city’s best and brightest artistic minds have been busy plotting exactly how they are going to make this year big and better than the last.

To gain more insight into their endeavors, Qcitymetro hit up a collection of local painters, writers, singers and more — and they offered a glimpse of what they’ve got in the works for 2012.

Cheris Hodges, author: “In 2012, I'm releasing my 14th novel, ‘Recipe For Desire.’ This book is based in Charlotte and was partly inspired by [the homeless shelter] My Sister's Place in West Charlotte. It follows the life of a party girl, Marie Charles, and how she has to do community service at the fictional My Sister's Keeper. There she meets sexy chef Devon Harris. My goal for 2012 is to host a fundraiser for My Sister's Place to help the women who live there.” (More info: www.cherishodges.com)

Actress Jessica Macks. (Photo courtesy of the artist.)

Carlleena Person, visual artist: “Every year since beginning my journey as an artist, my yearly goals are simple: plant artistic seeds and nurture them with knowledge, hard work and perseverance. This year embraces that goal with me focusing on my three solo shows (which is a first for me), new editions to the SAVNAC/LIFE=ART T-shirt line and exhibiting in galleries/shows across the U.S.” (More info: savnac.wordpress.com)

Marcus Kiser, visual artist: "I'm working with musical artist Jae Kaizer out of Virginia on his ‘Florescent Black’ project; it’s a music download project that will involve music and an art book to accompany it. Release date will be March and will be available on iTunes.

"Antoine Williams and I have the ‘Super Powers’ art show at Baku gallery in April. It’s an art show based on political figures as super heroes — and people's hopes and dreams that push them to being almost super hero and villain status.

"[Artist] Derek Helsel and I have the data east video game show this spring [April or May]; the gallery will probably be Espada, but it’s not a lock yet. I’m still looking for places in and outside of the city." (More info: ksrstudios.com)

Singer/musician Haji Basim. (Photo courtesy of the artist.)

Jessica Macks, actress: “My artistic resolution for 2012 is to evolve more as an actress/performer and do more shows. The first show of the year will be ‘The Amen Corner’ by James Baldwin. I would also love to write for or be featured in a couple magazines. I guess I am off to a great start this year.”

Antoine Williams, visual artist: “This year I have a few projects taking place. I will be having a two-man show with Marcus Kiser in Noda titled ‘Super Powers’ and a solo art show in opening in July at CPCC titled ‘The People Under the Stairs.’ Plus, I plan on doing a project where I create modern-day propaganda posters on topical issues then share them on the Web to go viral.” (More info: www.rawgoods.org)

Haji Basim, musician: "I have a lot going on these days:

1. "I have an EP — [titled] 'In Gratitude' — coming out on 1/21/12, in preparation for the LP 'unnamed' dropping early March. I have several shows coming up in Charlotte, Ashville, Atlanta and surrounding area's. I will be playing at spiritual centers as well as music venues. (www.HajiBasim.com)

2. "I am working with the Center for Spiritual Living C.O.L.O.R.S, lead by Rev. Claire Middleton. The Band and Choir are releasing their first Album this spring.(www.1colors.com)

3. "I am hosting a Singer Song Writers Workshop and The Ultimate Beginner Guitar Course through my business The Holistic Method, 'A meditative approach to music lessons,' in February. I also teach guitar, ukulele, bass, and voice. (www.Holistic-Method.com)

4. "For the purpose of furthering higher and conscious thought, life, and actions, I host weekly yoga and mediation classes at Urban Garden in the NoDa Area."(www.UrbanGarden.webs.com)

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Editor's Note: This article was created as part of the Charlotte Arts Journalism Alliance, a consortium of local media dedicated to writing about the arts scene.